The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Conference: Developing character outside the classroom
26th November, Gilwell Park Conference Centre, Epping Forest
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) are delighted to announce the programme for the 2015 Council for Learning Outside the Classroom conference: Developing character outside the classroom.
Some exciting speakers have been secured who will give delegates an insight into how learning outside the classroom (LOtC) can support your pupils’ personal development, and contribute to raising social, moral, cultural and spiritual awareness.
Inspiring speakers
Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO, CBE is a passionate and practical campaigner who has a senior leadership role in charities aiming to transform education and opportunities for young people. As Chair of Teach First from 2006 to 2014, and now Vice Patron, Julia pioneered efforts to address educational disadvantage. Julia is Vice Chair of the Fair Education Alliance, was appointed to chair the National Literacy Trust in 2013 and chairs Read On. Get On., the national campaign to ensure all children are reading well by the age of 11. She is a co-founder and trustee of Step Up To Serve and is also a board member of National Citizen Service, Teach for All, The Careers and Enterprise Company and the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation.
She will be reflecting on how LOtC opportunities can help develop young people’s character and confidence, and prepare them for life beyond the classroom walls.
The Hive-Croydon and Children’s University
This year, CLOtC are delighted that conference attendees will hear directly from young people who have benefited from LOtC opportunities. Young volunteers from The Hive Croydon will be talking about their experiences as volunteers with the Children’s University.
The Hive-Croydon aims to formally recognise, reward and celebrate the commitment that young people (aged 5 -19) make in attending Children’s University activities. Delegates will hear from some of the post-14 students who have participated in the charity’s Routes programme, which has a strong emphasis on volunteering and mentoring Children’s University learning. They will reflect on the skills they have learned through the programme.
Informative case studies
LOtC in the Early Years: Bus Stop Pre-school
Bus Stop Pre-school in Surrey is the first early years setting to achieve LOtC Mark (Gold). Kate Rice and Kelly Haines, the owner and manager of Bus Stop, will be talking about their commitment to LOtC, and the importance of LOtC for children in early years, and offer tips for implementing LOtC at your own setting.
Developing teachers through LOtC: York St John University
As part of their BA course in Primary Education, students at York St John University undertake a two week placement in settings other than schools (SOTS) such as museums, galleries or outdoor education centres. Janet Spencer, ITE partnership manager at the university, will talk about the SOTS placement, and the impact this has had on students’ teaching skills. This is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that LOtC not only contributes to pupil development: staff can also develop their skills through delivering LOtC.
Practical workshops
The conference will also feature an exciting programme of practical workshops engaging with the theme of character development from organisations including The Scouts Association, Learning Away, Historic England and Farms for City Children.
www.lotc.org.uk/news-and-events/clotc-events-training/clotc-conference
LOtC Awards Dinner
On the evening of 26th November, the winners of the Awards for Outstanding Contribution to LOtC 2015 will be announced at a celebration dinner. Nominees for the awards categories will be there, along with their supporters, and others wanting to celebrate high quality learning outside the classroom. The dinner will be held at Gilwell Park, following on from the conference. You are very welcome to join us for the dinner. When you book your conference place, simply select the booking type ‘Conference & awards’. The dinner fee includes a 3-course dinner with wine and coffee.
Winners of the awards are chosen by public vote. The shortlists for the 2015 LOtC awards will be announced on 14th September, when voting will open.
Visit www.lotc.org.uk/news-and-events/awards-for-outstanding-contribution-to-lotc for more information
